The Multi-colored Grace of God
Our May meeting was a pleasant gathering of spring time smiles and fellowship. The women are beginning to develope some wonderful relationships and their conversation is easy and effortless. A hearty welcome to three new guests: Marie, Rose and Ann. We are blessed to welcome you to our group.
This month, Beth Ludwig taught us how to make a lovely bracelet. She kept saying how simple it is to do, but it wasn't that easy and I'm an artist. We had fun and a couple ladies made two.
It was my turn to bring a message. The Lord had given me the image above as I prepared. I brought actual boxes - one beat up and broken, and the other was beautifully wrapped. (I don't do bows - I had to use hot glue to keep it together.)
The beat up box represented our grief and loss. I shared how the Lord gives us a promise and a provision for every trial we face.
1 Peter 1:5-7 says:
" (we) . . . who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by manifold trials"
The word manifold means multi-faceted, and varied.
Then in 1 Peter 4:10 "manifold" is mentioned again, but this time it has to with the manifold grace of God.
It occured to me that God has provided a color-co-ordinated grace for every trial we go through. Whatever the trial demands - God's grace will be there to meet it.
The beautifully wrapped package represents the promise of God. He will never leave us or forsake us. His grace, and every provision we have need of, will be there in His timing.
The only thing He asks is that we receive His gift without knowing what's inside. That's faith. We have to trust the character of God to never waste our tears - an even one day turn them to joy.
The women brought the most wonderful dishes to share. After fellowship, good food, good discussion, and sparkly new bracelets, everyone went home. And I bet . . . they took a nap just like I did.
